This is a fantastic story. First the main hero of the story does not belittle or mistreat the heroine (Nicola) as they do in many of the period pieces. He lets her warm up to him and even seems to enjoy sparing with her. In fact it is he who requests that his brother let him marry her. He knows that to see his people (which was more than he could hope for)through the winter he needs her to make sure that all the winter preparations are taken care of. Therefore amazing her in the fact that someone needs her! Also the fact that he finds her beautiful (as non one else has) and not the giantesse of Ashby makes her come to love him.

There is also a side plot where Gilliam is training a new quire (Jos) who does not know how to be a little boy let alone a squire. It is fun to see him grow up and gain responsibility throughout the book.

This book has it all intrigue, deception, a woman warrior, growing love and a strong woman character.